Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia

Cross-section of sperm-producing tube (seminiferous tubule) in the testis.Sperm develop in the lining of the tube and are supported by larger‘supporting’ cells called Sertoli cells.After developing through stages of spermatogonium, spermatocyte andspermatid, then when mature, sperm are released into the hole in the middle(lumen) and pass out of the testes.Where are sperm transported?Leading from each testis is a long, highly-coiledtube called the epididymis that lies at the backof the testes. The epididymis connects theseminiferous tubules to another single tube calledthe vas deferens. When released from the testis,the sperm spend two to 10 days passing throughthe epididymis. During this journey, the spermmature and gain the ability to become motile(swim or move). When ejaculation starts, spermare transported from the tail of the epididymis, viathe vas deferens, to the urethra (urinary tract) inthe penis. To achieve a pregnancy, sperm must beput into the vagina at the fertile time of a woman’smenstrual cycle.MALE INFERTILITY 7